It’s just the title of the pizza and trust me, I debated back and forth whether to actually name a pizza, TJ Hooker, but in the end I just had to do it. Because with this name comes a story, and we all like stories, right?

Ok, so here it goes. Basically, I really wanted to create a meal inspired by the last day of school. I texted each one of my cousins, and brothers – basically everyone in my phone contacts under the age of twenty-eight. I only received responses from a handful of people (Abby is always there for me) but it was pretty obvious that pizza, chicken fingers, anything grilled, ice cream and popsicles were all acceptable last day of school foods. I already had the sweet part covered (TOMORROW!), so I was really looking for something savory.

Pizza seemed like the best fit. For one, who does not love pizza? Two, I feel like it is what every kid/teenager and um… me, would want at their “School’s Out, It’s Finally Summer party”. Three, pizza is always fun, and no matter how old I get, it always will be.

So pizza it was. Now what kind of pizza?

Everyone said cheese, pepperoni – the classics.

I know the classics are awesome, but I feel like everyone knows how to make a cheese pizza and to be honest, there is nothing very fun or exciting about a plain cheese pizza. I love um, but not really what I was looking for today. Or actually tomorrow since that is officially Asher’s last day of school, but hey, we’re prepping for it.

So as I said, everyone said classic pizza – except Brendan. The brother who just had surgery on both knees a week ago yesterday and somehow managed to drive himself to his doctor appointment on Tuesday. I mean, he can’t walk, but apparently driving is all good. Really though, remember this is just Brendan, he is insane.

Anyway, Brendan said I had to make his favorite pizza. I said “ok, fine what is your favorite pizza”? I should have predicted that the next words out of his mouth would be shocking. I mean, this is Brendan, only outrageous things come out of his mouth, so only he would suggest a pizza liker this. “Well, it’s the TJ Hook Pizza”. Call me weird, but right then and there I knew I had to make this pizza. It just sounded like a great pizza. So I went with it, not even knowing what the name really meant or what it actually consisted of .

If you know me, than you know that this is not typical. See, I think and stew and then think some more, until I am 100% sure that I am confident in what I am making (while not really, but I try to convince myself that I am), and that I am excited about it. But with this pizza the name just had me hooked. I wanted to know more… I wanted to taste it!

From there I said just text me what is in it, I am going to start the dough.

Luckily, I was cool with the three ingredients that Brendan text back. Pineapple (clearly I am highly addicted to this amazing fruit), Canadian Bacon (ok, a little skeptical on this one, but it works here) and jalapeños (yes!). So basically a Hawaiian Pizza. I asked what kind of sauce and Brendan said, “not sure maybe tomato”, but that just didn’t sit well with me. I thought something with a sweet and spicy kick would work so much better. Enter the Chipotle BBQ. I just used my favorite BBQ sauce and added some chipotle chiles and pineapple juices. Super simple, but so good. Then I drizzled the entire thing with sweet Thai chili sauce, it’s the secret weapon for the pizza. Meaning, it is awesome and you must not skip it! Just be sure to adjust how much or little you use based on your desired liking. I always use the max amount because, over at this house, it can never really be too spicy.

Then, to top it all off, of course there is the cheese. Swiss, fontina and a little blue, if you are into it. SO GOOD.

Perfect way to ring in summer if you ask me. Tropical BBQ pizza. Pretty perfect right?

And I do realize that probably a lot of kids would never go near this pizza. I get it, they are kids. So here is what I do. Double the dough recipe, make the kids a plain cheese pizza and then make this one for the adults who have graduated beyond plain cheese. Hey, this way there is more for you anyway!

Oh, and as for why this pizza is call the TJ Hooker Pizza? Well, unfortunately it is not really a PG 13 kind of thing, which makes it probably not so appropriate for a family blog, but if you are feeling curious, email me and I will share!

It made me laugh and trust me, I am a tough one to try and get a good laugh out of.

Instructions

For the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine water, yeast and honey. Mix with a spoon, then let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add in the flour and olive oil stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, on a floured surface, form the dough into a ball and work the additional 1/2 cup flour into the dough if needed. You can also do all the mixing and kneading in your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Now rub the same bowl with olive oil, then place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.

To assemble the Pizza:

When the dough is ready, start assembling the pizzas. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the Canadian Bacon. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile add the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, chipotle chiles, lime juice and cilantro to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.

Once the pizza dough is ready, lightly flour a counter. Use your hands or a rolling pin to roll the dough out until you have a flattened disk. Place the pizzas on a greased baking sheet and then use your hands to gently tug, pull and push the pizza dough into your desired shape.

Spread the chipotle BBQ sauce over the pizza dough. Sprinkle on 3/4 fourths of the cheeses. Add the Canadian bacon, and chopped pineapple, then drizzle on the sweet thai chili sauce. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese. Add the jalapeño slices. Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is all melty and gooey.

Remove the pizza from the oven and and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and blue cheese if desired. Slice and EAT!

Whatever you want to call it, just know it is freaking awesome and the perfect “grown up” last day of school pizza!

I don’t know what the connection is to what I am going to say, but “T.J. Hooker” was the name of a police officer that was played by William Shatner, Captain Kirk from Star Trek) . I believe it was on in the early eighties… FYI… Maybe he liked it, or something like that. I am still going to make this!
The movie series WAS caleed “T.J. Hooker.”

I’ve never used sweet thai chili sauce…I just assumed it was sweet but you mention it’s spicy…is it hot like schiracha? Is it sambal olek or is that hot chili sauce…I’m confused but I so want to make this and I think I have everything but the thai chili sauce. I wish my last day of school was today and I had the whole summer off…those were the best.

This sounds great! I’m dying to try it on the grill.
As for the name…it doesn’t have to be more than PG-13 rated whatever the story…TJ Hooker was a cop show when I was growing up. :o) It’s just a guy’s name.

For the record, it was always the Tijuana Hooker to my friends and I. The only reason it was tomato sauce is because we would just order Hawaiin pizza from wherever and tell them to throw jalapeños and Canadian bacon on there. My sister however is obviously a genius and took our favorite hangover cure and turned it into a piece of art.

Ohhhhh man!!!! I really wouldn’t worry about the name if I am getting to sink my teeth into these deliciousness!!!!!!! It looks SO SOOOOO good! I loveeeee the pineapples and jalapenos and Thai sweet chili??? Gahhh I want this pizzzzzzaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Made this tonight. Sweet Baby Ray’s honey chipotle BBQ sauce. This was ah.may.zing. Loved the texture of the cheeses, sweet juicy tang of the pineapple. We used regular thick cut bacon. My mouth watered when I first saw the rećipe and is again just remembering it. You really have a gift.

Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. This is
an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

I made your pizza dough and had problems with your directions.Your direction says, add flour,
so I added the 1-1/2 cup , which was too much flour, then you say to add 1/2 cup if needed. Since I already added the 1/2 cup it was too late.
You should clarify to say, first add 1 Cup flour then 1/2 cup if needed. So obviously it did not taste good.

Meet Tieghan Gerard.

I’m Tieghan, the recipes you’ll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!